Graduation scholarship: What you need to know

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 22.08.2024

You need to work alongside your studies, but the final phase is becoming increasingly stressful. Exams and final papers are demanding all your energy, leaving little time for earning money. Rest assured, you are not entirely left to your own devices when it comes to financing your studies. The government has your back in the form of a graduation scholarship.

This scholarship allows you to take a temporary break from your job and fully focus on your academic commitments during the crucial final phase, without worrying about your finances. Find out everything you need to know about the graduation scholarship, see if you qualify, and learn how to apply right here.

Table of Contents

What is a Graduation Scholarship?

The graduation scholarship is designed to financially support working students in their final phase of studies. If you have worked at least 50% during your studies, this scholarship allows you to temporarily pause your part-time job and fully concentrate on your final exams and projects.

Such a graduation scholarship is crucial for successfully completing your degree because the final phase is often the most demanding, requiring full concentration and energy. Financial support during this time allows you to focus on your exams and theses without the added burden of a part-time job. This can make an important difference in meeting academic requirements and successfully completing your studies.

With the graduation scholarship, this critical phase becomes significantly easier, and you no longer have to worry about balancing work and studies.

Requirements and criteria for the Graduation Scholarship

All regular students with Austrian citizenship or equivalent status, who are at the end of their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Diploma program, are eligible for a graduation scholarship. Note: The graduation scholarship does not apply to doctoral students!

The requirements for a graduation scholarship are:

  • You have been employed (at least part-time) for a minimum of 36 months within the last 4 years. This period can also include child-rearing periods, military, training or civilian service, and voluntary activities.
  • You stop your employment as soon as the scholarship is granted.
  • You have not received any study grants in the last 4 years.
  • You are younger than 41 years old.
  • You have not received a graduation scholarship before.
  • You have not completed another degree. Exception: You may apply for a graduation scholarship for a Master’s program after completing a Bachelor’s degree.
  • If you are studying at a university, you should only have exams and the final thesis left (the thesis must already be accepted and started) amounting to 20 ECTS. If no thesis is required, you should only have exams amounting to 40 ECTS remaining.
  • For other educational institutions (e.g., Universities of Applied Sciences, Pedagogical Universities), you must be in the last two semesters of your studies.
  • You are required to provide proof of completion within 12 months after finishing your studies.

Application and Required Documents

You can comfortably submit your application online using ID Austria. However, if you prefer to handle things the traditional way, there is also an application form that you can download, print, and submit by mail. The following documents are required along with your application form:

  • Current student registration sheet
  • Insurance data extract with contribution bases
  • Confirmation of termination or temporary suspension of employment (after getting the scholarship granted)
  • Confirmation(s) of all income in the previous calendar year
  • Annual wage slip or income tax assessment from the previous calendar year

After a successful application, the graduation scholarship will be granted to you from the first day of the month you specified in the application. You can receive it for a maximum of 18 months unless you complete your studies before this period ends, in which case the scholarship will end early.

STUWO Tip: If you are unsure whether you qualify for a graduation scholarship, you can schedule a consultation appointment with the scholarship office.

With a complete application, nothing can get between you and your graduation scholarship anymore©Adobe Stock

How much is the study grant?

The amount of the graduation scholarship generally depends on your income in the previous calendar year. In 2024, the scholarship ranges from € 741 to € 1,270 per month.

However, please keep in mind that if you receive support from other institutions (e.g., unemployment benefits, training allowances, internship wages, etc.), the amount will be reduced. Additionally, grants and additional payments linked to student aid (e.g., travel allowances, grants for studying abroad) are not covered by the graduation scholarship. On the bright side, mandatory tuition fees are relieved with an additional allowance of € 363.36 per semester. Once the amount of your graduation scholarship is determined, the agreed amount will be transferred to you monthly. 

Repayment of the scholarship: What you need to know

If you have already applied for a scholarship, but your circumstances have changed (e.g., dropping out, changing programs, taking a break, or taking a leave of absence), you have to report this to the scholarship office immediately. This will save you from unpleasant situations and a lot of money that you would otherwise have to repay.

If you fail to complete your studies within 12 months after the end of the 18-month period, you will have to repay the scholarship in full. In cases of exceptional circumstances (e.g., serious illness), you can apply for an extension. If you are having difficulties completing your studies, the psychological counselling service for students is available to help you. If you need additional support, you can find other student counselling services here!

Start your final semester with full focus – the graduation scholarship makes it possible! ©Adobe Stock

5 practical tips and valuable resources for Graduation Scholarships

Here you will find five practical tips and valuable resources to help you apply for a graduation scholarship:

  1. Get Informed Early: The earlier you inform yourself about the graduation scholarship, the better you can plan. Visit the website of your university or college to find out if they offer advisory services.
  2. Use Online Resources: Here are the key websites at a glance:
  3. Schedule Consultation Appointments: If you are unsure whether you qualify for a graduation scholarship, you can schedule a consultation  at the scholarship office near you. The employees there can answer your questions and assist you with the application process.
  4. Funding Opportunities at Your University: Many universities and colleges offer their own advisory services and information on scholarships. They can also help you apply for the graduation scholarship. Check directly with your institution for available resources.
  5. Prepare Documents Carefully: Make sure to submit all necessary documents completely and correctly. This includes proof of income, study confirmations, and possibly certificates of other funding. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejections.

STUWO Tip: If you want to know what other study financing options there are, you can find all the information here!

Conclusion: Opening perspectives with the Graduation Scholarship

If you find it difficult to balance work and studies towards the end of your degree, the scholarship for graduation  can be a big help. Make the most of the numerous available resources and get informed early about your options. Whether online, through advisory services, or direct support from your university – there are many ways to get the information and assistance you need.

Even if it seems complicated at first, don’t hesitate to apply for a scholarship for your studies. It can provide you with the necessary time and financial security needed for a successful graduation – take advantage of the opportunities available to you!

The STUWO team wishes you the best of luck on your path to a successful graduation!

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